Unbridled intensity and unstoppable energy characterize this newly issued 1988 live set by pianist Cecil Taylor (1929-2019). A duo set with his frequent mid-career partner, UK drummer Tony Oxley, the latter's unflappable rhythm sense puts a finer point on Taylor's fluid comprehensive pianism doling out ruffs and rebounds of studied percussion logic.

Although the flow of Taylor' s cascading glissandi and measured key clips with unexpected detours and reversals may sound random and unplanned, there's definite thematic material revealed during the exposition's roll out. Among the seemingly uncontrollable textural flow, certain phrases are emphasized and repeated throughout the performance. Whether cross pulsed pressure, slides down to pedal point, leaps across the keys or pressurized piano chording is emphasized during the ebbs of Taylor's waterfall of notes the swells give way to repeated structural motifs that float forward throughout. The fact that each of these passages is more dynamic, presto and pressurized than the one before serves as markers in this compositional evolution.

All the while Oxley's drum smacks and ruffs, cymbal pings and splashes plus the occasional cowbell pop are cunningly underlining this progress. Eventually during the penultimate minutes, a climax is attained blending polyrhythms, polytones and heightened elation. A few surges in pitch and speed continue during the last few minutes, but in the main, tempo descents make clearer isolated note singularity, while the reassuring theme refrain is aptly balanced by Oxley's woody pops and metal scrapes. Two short encores merely replicate the game plan in miniature leading to more protracted audience applause.

Flashing Spirits may not be a historical milestone in Taylor's long career, but I's certainly another indication of how notable the music made by him and Oxley was during that time.